Best Ways to Store Panels and Glue-Ups in a Hot, Humid Garage
Asked by CraftyNinja42
I'm in the Midwest where humidity can vary a lot, and right now my workshop is in an uncooled garage. As a weekend warrior, I sometimes have to leave my projects sitting for about a week before I can get back to them. I'm wondering how to best store large panels. Should I keep cauls attached while they're stored, or would it be better to just speed up my process? Would appreciate any tips!
Answers
Consider investing in a dehumidifier during the hot summer months. I have an insulated workshop without AC, and running a dehumidifier keeps the humidity levels manageable. It could really help your projects stay stable as well!
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Applying a coat of 1lb cut shellac or a sanding sealer can really help protect your panels if they’re going to sit for a while. It works with most finishes and offers good moisture protection to prevent any warping while they wait in the garage.
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It sounds like you're worried about warping due to humidity. You might be okay if you’re careful with your wood selection and let your pieces rest a bit after surfacing them. I suggest jointing and planing your panels, letting them sit for a day or two to stabilize before doing final sizing. That can really help!
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CraftyNinja42: That sounds like a good idea! I didn’t think of a dehumidifier but it could make a big difference.